Veterinary Assistant

OVERVIEW

This online program will prepare you to become a productive member of a veterinary team. You'll learn about every aspect of veterinary assisting, including anatomy and physiology, animal restraint, laboratory sample collection, assisting in surgery and dentistry, prescription preparation, and taking radiographs. You’ll also learn how to interact professionally with clients and gain the expertise you need to educate them about key topics in pet care, such as nutrition, vaccinations, and administering medication. This program is designed for people who want to work at a veterinary hospital and those who are already employed in positions in which they look after animals.

OBJECTIVE

WHAT YOU WILL LEARN

The anatomy and physiology of the major organ systems.

How to handle medical records and communicate with clients and coworkers.

How to restrain animals for procedures, take vital signs, and bathe them.

All about nutrition, vaccinations, and administering medication.

How to assist during surgery and dental procedures.

Preparation of prescriptions and taking blood samples and radiographs.

HOW YOU WILL BENEFIT

Upon passing this course, you’ll have the credentials and knowledge to be a valued team member in a veterinary hospital.

DETAILS

Do you love animals? Have you ever thought about a career as a veterinary assistant? Taught by a practicing veterinarian and college instructor, this intensive program provides the information you need to work with animals in a veterinary hospital.

You’ll first study the major organ systems that you’ll need to know about as a veterinary assistant. Next, you’ll move to front office duties so you can see how to work with clients and handle medical records. You'll also delve into the communication skills that come in handy for the assistant.

Then the program moves to the area you're probably most interested in—the back of the hospital. You’ll see how to restrain animals for procedures, take their vital signs (temperature, pulse, and respiration rate), trim their nails, and properly bathe them. You'll also gain the expertise you need to educate clients about key topics in pet care, such as nutrition, vaccinations, and administering medication.

The program also shows you how you can be an asset during surgery and dental procedures by monitoring heart rate and breathing, passing instruments to the surgeon, and charting teeth. You’ll learn how to prepare prescriptions, take blood samples, perform laboratory tests, and take radiographs.

The program concludes with a lesson to prepare you for the job market, in which you'll see how to create an effective resume, advance your skills, and develop strong interview skills. Upon passing this program, you’ll have the credentials and knowledge to be a valued team member in a veterinary hospital.

REQUIREMENTS

This program is compatible with Windows, Mac, and a variety of browsers and browser versions. You will need Adobe Flash and Adobe Reader. You will need an Internet connection (high-speed is recommended) and email capability.

Your tuition for this program includes this textbook:

Tasks for the Veterinary Assistant, by Paula Pattengale

PREREQUISITES

A high school diploma or equivalent is recommended but not essential.

INSTRUCTOR

Jeff Grognet has been a companion animal veterinarian for over 25 years. He is a pioneer in the field of veterinary assistant teaching, having developed his first course over 20 years ago. This progressed to four short courses and finally the development of this veterinary assistant program. Jeff practices with his wife at a veterinary hospital in British Columbia, Canada. He has published thousands of articles on animal health topics for newspapers and magazines

FAQS

1. Can I register for programs if I am an international student?

Yes, because ed2go programs are online, you never have to actually travel to the school. Most schools offer telephone or online registration.

2. How long does it take to complete a program?

All of our programs are self-paced and open enrollment, so you can start them when you want and finish them at your own pace. Upon registering, you're given six months to complete this program.

3. Do I have to buy additional materials?

All the materials you'll need are included, and their cost will be covered by your tuition. ed2go will ship all materials ground service upon enrollment.

4. Can I get financial assistance?

ed2go courses are non-credit courses, so they do not qualify for federal aid. In some states, vocational rehab or workforce development boards will pay for qualified students to take our courses.

5. What happens when I complete the program?

Upon successful completion of the program, you will be awarded a certificate of completion from the school.

6. Am I guaranteed a job?

ed2go programs will provide you with the skills you need to obtain an entry-level position in most cases. We don't provide direct job placement services, but our career counselors will help you build your resume and are available to give advice on finding your first job. Instructors will also be available to use as a professional reference upon completion of the program. Potential students should always do research on the job market in their area before registering.

7. Who will be my instructor?

Each student is paired up with an instructor for one-on-one interaction. The instructor will be available (via e-mail) to answer any questions you may have and to provide feedback on your performance. All of our facilitators are successful working professionals in the fields in which they teach.

8. What software or hardware do I need in order to take online programs and what are the system requirements?

In order to take our online programs, you must have access to a computer and the Internet. You can access the program contents from any Web-enabled computer. You don't have to use the same computer to log-in to the program every time. We recommend that you have a word-processing program (Microsoft Word is best) and the latest version of Internet Explorer.

9. Can I use a Mac?

Yes, you can use a Mac for this program.

10. How can I get more information about the program?

If you have questions that are not answered on our website, please feel free to contact us via LIVE chat (click the button toward the top of the page). If you are visiting us during non-business hours, please feel free to send us a question using the "Contact Us" form to the right. You may also call us at 1-855-520-6806. We will answer your questions promptly.

11. When can I start the program?

Our programs are all open enrollment. You can register and start the program as soon as you are ready.

Please note: Once the program curriculum is accessed online or through submission of a material shipment confirmation, refunds cannot be issued.

12. Does this program provide veterinary assistant certification?

The National Association of Veterinary Technicians in America has a certification program that began in 2012. Currently, this requires attending a college that also has a veterinary technician certification program. Once NAVTA creates a way for online programs to lead to certification, we will be exploring this avenue.

13. Can I work at a veterinary hospital with the training from this program?

Yes. The duties that each member of the hospital can perform are regulated by the licensing board for that state or province. By taking this program, you will obtain a veterinary-specific skill set. This will put you far ahead of other applicants who haven’t shown the desire and ambition to take a program like this. This, along with your work ethic and personality are the factors that come into play in getting a position at a veterinary hospital.

14. Does this program prepare for any state licensure?

No, this program does not prepare for any state licensure. In addition, students will not participate in any fieldwork experience during the course of this program.

15. What if I don't have enough time to complete my program within the time frame provided?

The time allotted to complete your program has been calculated based on the number of hours for each program, so don't worry too much about not completing in time. If, after a concerted effort, you are still unable to complete, your Student Advisor will help you work out a suitable completion date. Please note that a fee may be charged for an extension.

REVIEWS

I loved that I could do my classes any time of the day...being a military spouse I don't have a lot of free time, most of the time! I wouldn't change anything! I loved it and was satisfied with everything!!- C.S., Fayetteville Technical Community College

I very much enjoyed this course and feel that I am walking away with a wealth of knowledge in this career field.- K.L., Southeast Missouri State University

I loved being able to complete assignments and work at home. I am a single mother of two children and cannot afford to put them in daycare so staying home with them while I completed the course saved a lot of money. I was able to spend much needed time with my girls!- C.N., Central Carolina Technical College

I really liked the fact that it was all based on my own schedule and I did not feel rushed or stressed about homework assignments or tests.- B.S., Jackson State Community College

My instructor was wonderful! She checked in to see if everything went the way it should and made sure everyone knew they could ask any questions that they had!- A.L., Ivy Tech Community College - Bloomington

I like how this program is self-paced and how quickly everything is graded. The facilitator always got back to me in a timely manner and I feel that I learned a lot.- P.H., Atlantic Cape Community College

Dr. Grognet is an excellent facilitator. The course content was extremely meaningful and relevant because Dr. Grognet authored the learning modules - and he appeared/demonstrated in course videos. The course content and assignments were substantive and challenging. His credentials, professional experiences, and passion for veterinary medicine are inspiring for students. The feedback received from Dr. Grognet was very timely and individualized for the student. He demonstrates professionalism and style. Lastly, the online learning platform was student friendly - ease in navigation and understandability. An excellent with distinction - program and facilitator! - M.D., Youngstown State University

I really enjoyed the way in which the material was represented. It was fun to learn with the review games and helpful pictures. Also my facilitator was helpful in answering my questions. They answered them quickly and with much description.- S.K., University of North Dakota